Getting Around Barbados

The best way to get around Barbados is in a car -- preferably one you've rented and not a taxicab. Just keep to the left and keep your wits about you for the twists and turns. The aforementioned taxis are an expensive option, but at least the fare is set by the government -- it'll cost between $15 and $30 BBD to get from Sir Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) to the popular hotels.

Barbados is also a popular port of call for cruise ships sailing to the eastern or southern Caribbean. Cruise ships dock at the Bridgetown pier, located about a mile from downtown Bridgetown.

Car

Compared to some Caribbean destinations, Barbados' roads are easy to navigate. But chances are they still wouldn't pass your Americanized litmus test. Roads can be winding and narrow and the traffic is well, traffic (by any country's standards). Still, this is the most efficient means of getting around. If you want to give it a try, you'll need a temporary permit from the rental agency (you can buy one for about $10 BBD according to Car Rental Express). And remember, driving is on the left.

Taxi

Cab drivers are knowledgeable about the best sites (and restaurants), so taking a taxi is certainly a hassle-free way to get around. But you'll pay a pretty price for the convenience, with steep fares that are set by the government. Anticipate paying anywhere between $15 and $30 BBD for a one-way trip from the airport to the hotels of Bridgetown or St. Lawrence Gap.

Bus

The government-operated buses are a cheap way to get around town (They're an easy-to-spot blue with yellow stripes; their final destinations are clearly visible on the front). But there are split opinions on their efficiency. Fodor's reports you can expect a bus to pass along the main roads every 20 minutes. Frommer's suggests that you shouldn't get your hopes up. Bajan buses cost $1.50 BBD one-way and you'll need exact change.

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens should carry a passport to enter Barbados; a visa is not required unless you plan to stay longer than 28 days. All travelers over the age of 12 should also expect a departure tax upon leaving the country. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for the latest information on foreign exit and entry requirements.